What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia is when a person’s body temperature gets so low that they have reduced circulation of blood around the body, particularly to their skin. This is why the person’s skin will feel cold to touch. Many instances of hypothermia occur inside when there is cold weather and a lack of heating.

If the person is outside, will they also have frostbite?

Frostbite is much less common than hypothermia because it usually happens in extreme cold conditions.

When someone has frostbite, their fingers, toes or extremities will become pale or blue and lose feeling.

To help someone with frostbite, gently warm their fingers or toes – for example, with warm water – while waiting for help to arrive. Don’t try to thaw the affected body part if there is any chance that it will refreeze.